Vitamins

NATURE’S Eye Vitamins

An ophthalmologist formulated NATURE’S Eye Vitamins. While using the vitamins and zinc combination shown effective in the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) as a starting point, the additional supplements of Lutein and Bilberry were added, leading to a complete formula for maximization of macular health.

Additionally, a study referred to as CARET (beta carotene and retinol efficacy trial) showed that smokers were at increased risk for the development of certain types of lung cancer from the consumption of high doses of beta carotene in their supplements. As the AREDS study formula included high doses of beta-carotene, NATURE’S Eye Vitamins has produced a Smokers Formula excluding beta-carotene, so smokers can enjoy the benefits of a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement without this added risk.†

Why add Lutein?

Lutein is the major pigment found in the macula and is essential for macular health by blocking damaging ultraviolet light. Though this is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in some fruits and green leafy vegetables, nutritional studies show that the average adult consumes less than 1 mg. of this essential nutrient daily. Studies using 6 mg. of Lutein per day have shown the highest correlation of disease prevention. Specifically, one study showed a 43% lower prevalence of AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) with this daily dose. Additionally, a relationship between Lutein and lens health has been suggested with one study showing a 22% lower prevalence of cataracts in women and 19% lower in men who are taking 6 mg. of Lutein daily.

Why add Bilberry?

Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant found in a wide variety of plants. This bioflavonoid has been linked to reduction of damage to the retina caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. This may have protective effects on the macula. Additionally, it has properties that lead to improvement of night vision and retinol circulation.

Why choose our product over other eye vitamins?

Besides the added protective effects of Lutein and Bilberry, our vitamin is made from 100% natural ingredients, without the use of animal byproducts or preservatives. Our product also contains all the recommended B complex vitamins, thus meeting all of your daily vitamin needs. Additionally, the capsule form of delivery provides greater absorption than the tablet form. The capsule can even be opened and mixed into water or juice, for patients who prefer this method of taking medications.

Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. Though often experienced as a sudden distortion or loss of vision, it is actually a slow progressive deterioration of the macula (the part of the eye needed to provide sharp central vision). The patient is often unaware of the condition until serious, many times irreversible, visual symptoms occur.

What can I do to prevent AMD?

Along with lifestyle changes, numerous articles have been written in medical journals discussing the role of antioxidant nutritional supplements for patients at risk or diagnosed with macular degeneration. In particular, the Multicenter Ophthalmic and Nutritional Age Related Macular Degeneration Study encouraged doctors to suggest use of dietary supplements for their patients. Most recently, a ten year Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that a specific combination of high potency antioxidants, vitamins and zinc slowed the progression of AMD, reducing the risk of vision loss from this disease.

More about the AREDS Study

The supplement evaluated in this study contained a specific combination of high potency dosages of antioxidants, Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc. Results from this study showed that those at the highest risk of developing advanced AMD lowered their risk of advancement by 25% with the use of this combination. In patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye, this antioxidant and zinc supplement reduced the risk of vision loss by 19%.

Lifestyle and AMD

There are certain uncontrollable risk factors, which can predispose one to AMD such as age, sex (women are at greater risk than men), iris color (light colored eyes are at greater risk than dark colored eyes), heredity (history of other blood relatives with the disease), and heart disease. There are, however, other risk factors that may be modified by lifestyle changes.

There is evidence that smoking may increase the risk of AMD. Additionally, significant cumulative light exposure is also felt to increase risk. Lastly, an inadequate intake of antioxidants (dietary or supplemental), as well as consumption of alcohol, saturated fats, and cholesterol can lead to reactions that can damage the macula. Therefore, to decrease these risks, compliance with medical treatment for control of heart disease, smoking cessation, protection of the eyes with UV blocking sunglasses, and dietary supplements such as those found in NATURE’S Eye Vitamins are recommended to give you the weapons needed to battle this sight-threatening disease.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Listed information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any disease or medical condition.